BCCI Central Contracts: Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Harshit Rana Likely to Be Included

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to release the latest list of central contracts for Indian cricketers, and emerging stars like Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Harshit Rana are likely to be among the new additions. While the core group of senior players will remain unchanged, BCCI officials have reportedly finalized a few notable inclusions based on consistent performances across formats.

Abhishek Sharma Set to Earn Grade C Contract

Abhishek Sharma, the explosive left-hander from Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, has emerged as one of the brightest talents in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The 24-year-old has already played 17 T20Is, including 12 matches within the BCCI’s assessment window from October to September, making him eligible for a central contract.

According to BCCI’s policy, any player who features in at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is during the evaluation period qualifies for a Grade C contract on a pro-rata basis. Abhishek, with his aggressive stroke play and all-round ability, is expected to be slotted into Grade C, which carries an annual retainership of INR 1 crore.

Nitish Reddy Meets Criteria After Breakthrough Test Series

Andhra Pradesh all-rounder Nitish Reddy is also in strong contention for a central contract. The 21-year-old featured in all five Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, showcasing his utility with both bat and ball. Although he has played only four T20Is, his participation in the entire Test series fulfills the criteria for inclusion.

Reddy’s all-round performances have not only impressed selectors but also highlighted India’s growing bench strength in the longest format. Sources indicate that selectors view him as a long-term investment in red-ball cricket.

Harshit Rana on the Cusp Despite Not Meeting Individual Format Criteria

Fast bowler Harshit Rana, who has represented India in two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I, is another name under consideration. While he hasn’t met the minimum threshold in any one format, his cumulative match appearances across all three could earn him a place on the list. The BCCI has occasionally made exceptions for multi-format contributors, and Rana’s case appears to be one of them.

Varun Chakaravarthy and Shreyas Iyer Also Set to Be Rewarded

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, with four ODIs and 18 T20Is under his belt, is expected to return to the contract list. He has been a regular feature in India’s white-ball squads and has shown consistency during home and overseas tours.

Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who starred in India’s Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, is another automatic inclusion. Iyer’s steady performances across formats have reestablished his position as a vital cog in India’s batting unit.

No Change Expected for Senior Players

As for the senior group, stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja will retain their A+ contracts. The top bracket ensures an annual retainership of INR 7 crore, and there is no indication of any change among the top-tier players, barring one or two possible exclusions based on form and fitness.

Contract List and Support Staff Announcements Imminent

The BCCI is expected to make the official announcement regarding the new central contracts in the coming days. Alongside the player retainerships, updates related to changes in the support staff across Indian men’s and women’s teams are also likely to be revealed.

With a renewed focus on youth and performance-based selections, the upcoming contract list reflects BCCI’s commitment to building a robust core for the future, while maintaining stability among its experienced campaigners.

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